Our Story

      I recently dove headfirst into my childhood dreams by opening a video gaming store.  It was always an ambition of mine as a child, and I took the first steps to making it a realization when at the age of 14 I began planning and writing all my ideas for the future.  In April 2011, nearly 11 years later, I took the biggest risk of my life and began building inventory.  I started with very little yet I poured everything I had into it.  Tru Gamer was more than just my time, effort, and money it truly was my heart and soul.  It was so much more than my blood and sweat, but the blood and sweat of my family and friends as well.  Together with the people I love we built Tru Gamer from the ground up.  With limited funding available we worked hard for over two months securing and remodeling the store front, building shelves, walls, counters, desks, display cases, mounts, and racks.  My budget was so tight I was forced to build my own scaffolding in order to paint the interior of the store.

      After months of working long hours preparing the store, and sneaking in a full time job on the side, I was finally able to open Tru Gamer.  By word-of-mouth alone customers slowly began coming in, each one more surprised than the last.  I couldn't tell you how many times I heard people tell me "Coffeyville really needs a store like this",  or "you've just saved me a 40 minute drive to Gamestop".  Even though I was open for less than 2 weeks I was already seeing familiar faces, and had regulars coming into the store.  Of course with all the good people I saw, there were also the bad ones that I didn't.  On July 16th during the middle of the night, and while I was working my second job, a few bad apples decided my lifelong goals and aspirations were theirs for the taking.  They shattered my front door, and two side windows, stole nearly 1200 disc based games, about 400 cartridges, and nearly every console I had on display.  To make matters worse, my insurance policy had yet to be written (even now I'm still waiting), I was fired from my regular job when I was forced to call in the 2 days following the robbery, and now all I'm left with are stacks of empty cases.

      I've never been one to ask for anything, and yet I find myself feeling a bit helpless at the moment.  No store, no job, and no vehicle as I sold my car to add to start-up capital.  I'm basically scrapping by on the two previous checks from my old job, and the small amount of cash flow generated by Tru Gamer.  Anything that you're willing to give would be appreciated, probably more than you know.  I'm trying to give back as much as possible with my perks, and I wish in the future I could repay the contributions donated by donating to other causes myself.  Your generosity will not go unnoticed, not by me, and not by the patrons of Tru Gamer.  I'm constructing a large plaque to hang behind the register listing all the supporters who have helped re-build my dream wether by monitory or inventory donations.  I'm always reminded of what one young boy told me as he emptied his pockets, and handed me $1.70.... "You just can't close this store".  This one incident gives me the courage to ask for help from you, and hope for the future of Tru Gamer 

What We Need & What You Get

The thieves made away with nearly 100% of our disc based gaming selection. Including games for PS1, PS2, PS3, Xbox, Xbox 360, Dreamcast, Saturn, Wii, and Gamecube. The criminals also left with about 75% of our Genesis cartridges, and all of our handheld video games, including games for Gameboy, Gameboy Color, GBA, DS, and PsP. We need enough funding to re-stock all items that were stolen. Perks will be rewarded for all levels of donations, and include a massive "Rebuilding Tru Gamer" plaque that will display the names of all those who have so freely given. I will proudly display this plaque near the register so that every customer entering the store can see the just how much can be accomplished when people work together.

Other perks include:

-Store discounts, (with the option to ship items!)

-Tru Gamer t-shirts which can be customized depending on level of donation

-Free entry to Tru Gamer events

-The option to ride on, and help design a Tru Gamer float to be used in Coffeyville's annual Christmas Parade!

-Those who are willing and able to make large donations will also be awarded with larger sized name plates to be placed on the plaque. 

All donors who have made contributions will also be invited for a large group photo in historic downtown Coffeyville, along with a copy of said photo once it has be developed. If you're unable to attend the photo shoot, but would still like a copy please let someone on the team know and we will send you a picture as well. 

My original goal of $17,000 has been reduced to $12,000 thanks in part to my loving girlfriend, mother, friends and passers-by who without mention freely donated to help keep my store open. Thank you all so much!

Other Ways You Can Help

Use the power of copy and paste! Post the link to this webpage everywhere and help get the word out. Your time and effort is a powerful gift that can gain interest and potential funding for our endeavour. In just 30 seconds you can post a link to this webpage on your Facebook or other networking site, and help generate immediate interest.   

If you're willing to donate video games, accessories, or consoles please contact me or another member of our team with all the details of your donation and we will provide you with a mailing address. We will also reimburse you for any fees accrued due to shipping. Nothing is too small, and every little bit helps. Those donating actual inventory for Tru Gamer will also be rewarded with similar perks to those of the monetary donations.